May 20, 1897 – At just the second-ever playing of the British Open Men’s Golf, an amateur player took the tournament. Englishman Harold Hilton won the Open title by overcoming Scotland’s James Braid by 1 stroke at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. There have been only six times in history that an amateur has won the Open.
The British Open is the oldest golf tournament in the world and one of the most respected. Originally it was founded in 1860 and was held annually at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland.
Years later in 1873, the venue started to rotate among a select group of coastal links golf courses in the United Kingdom including St. Andrews, Musselburgh, Muirfield, Royal St. Georges, and others. Winners now get to claim the trophy known as the Claret Jug.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
How Gambling Grew Closer To Sports in the USA — A Historical Overview
The intertwining of gambling and sports in the United States has a rich and
Top Five Matches in Table Tennis History
“Ping Pong” has a rich and fascinating history that is over a century old.
John Davis: An American Weightlifting Legend
When I first started competing in Olympic Weightlifting in 1981, I wanted to learn
Football Evolution: From English Fields to American Stadiums
Football, a sport cherished by millions, boasts a history that crosses continents and cultures.
Red Sox Stumble Early, Recover Late: A Curious Phenomenon This Season
The 2025 Boston Red Sox season has been defined by extremes—frustrating starts and exhilarating
Sports Betting: A Journey Through Time and Technology
How did placing a bet on your favorite sports team become so popular? Sports
Red Bull: Assessing the Impact of the Multi-Club Model
Red Bull are one of the most popular multi-club franchises in European and world
Remembering Two Great NFL Playoff Games of the 1970s
There were a couple of very competitive playoff games in the NFL during the